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Wishing Bridge #2

At Home in Wishing Bridge

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Ruth Logan Herne, the bestselling author of Welcome to Wishing Bridge, invites readers back to the small town where big dreams come true.

After surviving the streets of South Philly, Thea Anastas never thought she’d wind up working in rural New York. But a call from a friend in need convinced the nurse practitioner to make the trip. Now her temporary position is making a difference in Wishing Bridge—though Thea can’t afford to make a difference, to fill a gaping hole in the sweet, small town. After all, the current medical practice is being dissolved in three months, and bigger opportunities are luring her away…

Her partner, Dr. Ethan Brandenburg, has his own caring for his orphaned niece and nephew and holding firm to his decision to leave Wishing Bridge for a prestigious job in Chicago. Though Thea’s no-nonsense advice in the office has been good for business, her compassion in Ethan’s personal life has been good for his heart. But how can he offer a commitment to a woman when they’re both about to say goodbye?

Wishing Bridge may be surrounded by forests and farms, but Thea is starting to realize that friendships and family form its heart—and that what she wants in life and love may be right in front of her eyes.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2018

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About the author

Ruth Logan Herne

132 books506 followers
Multi-published, award-winning, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of being a published author and having the time of her life doing it. Born to a poor family in Rochester, NY, Ruthy draws on her early years and her many years of dealing with today's young families and businesses to create beautiful, heartfelt small-town stories of faith, hope and love... while adopting her favorite non-Scripture quotes "Plenty of time for rest in the grave" (Ben Franklin) and "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." (Eleanor Roosevelt) and one can always depend on Yoda "There is no try. There is do or do not." Succinct... and true. :) She loves chatting with readers on facebook at Ruth Logan Herne or follow Ruthy on Twitter, visit her website or stop by Seekerville (www.seekerville.blogspot.com) or pop by the Yankee Belle Cafe where Ruthy and several lovely authors share recipes, facts, photos and just plain old life! (www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
1,507 reviews206 followers
October 19, 2018
At Home In Wishing Bridge

Ruth Logan Herne


AT HOME IN WISHING BRIDGE is the second book in the Wishing Bridge series. To be honest, I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. I knew I would read it anyway, because I love Ruth Logan Herne, but the cover really pulled me in. I loved everything about this beautiful story and I'm excited to continue the series. Ruth Logan Herne always has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go. Thea grew up in South Philadelphia and never thought she could be happy in a small rural town, but Wishing Bridge is really growing on her.


She has been working at a medical practice with Dr. Ethan Brandenburg. Ethan is taking care of his niece and nephew since their parents were tragically killed. They are only supposed to be staying in Wishing Bridge temporarily as Ethan has a big job offer for a hospital in Chicago. But you know what they say about life's plans, they hardly ever turn out the way you thought they would but they are sometimes exactly what you need. When the medical practice gets flooded during a storm, AT HOME IN WISHING BRIDGE really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story down. Neither Ethan nor Thea are looking for a relationship with both of them moving on shortly. It was cute watching these two dance around their feelings for each other.


AT HOME IN WISHING BRIDGE is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Ruth Logan Herne was taking us and what would happen to Thea. I really loved how the whole community came to Thea and Ethan's aid and only wanted them to feel loved and welcomed! The same goes for the kids! There is so much heart in Ruth's writing that I'm always left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. I could totally see AT HOME IN WISHING BRIDGE becoming a Hallmark movie and I would love to see it. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I've known them for a long time. I love how Ruthy does that to me each and every time.
3,953 reviews1,764 followers
October 10, 2018
Woohoo! We're back in Wishing Bridge for some more Ruthy magic -- the kind that sparks and sizzles with the perfect blend of whimsy and common sense! And lots of faith. And community. And deep friendship. Cute (and not so cute) kids. Herne has a knack for bringing real life drama to light -- where hope rises from the ashes of despair by the time we reach the end.

It's never cookie cutter though, and she doesn't dodge the tough issues like neglect and abuse, grief and anger, but she does cushion the dark parts of a story with grace and mercy. So sometimes a sensitive reader might become teary from either sadness or joy and will often feel the spiritual thrill of conviction over a simple gospel truth -- like "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." (John 13:34) Because love in all its many forms is at the heart of this story. As imperfect and messy as we humans manage to make it. My heart felt a little bit bludgeoned by the time I finished. (Heartfelt achy sigh.)

The premise of the series -- three young women who bonded in foster care encourage and support one another as they each strive to leave past hurts behind in the hopes of making a new future. And Wishing Bridge is the perfect small town to let them shine. Welcome to Wishing Bridge was Kelsey's story, and I think it's well worth reading that book first. All the better to become acquainted with Thea, Jazz and Kelsey and the salt-of-the-earth townsfolk who show them what that John 13 scripture really means. And the family and friendship dynamics will make more sense right from the start as well.

This is mostly Thea's story -- a nurse practitioner with a heart for service and an unwavering faith in God. And Dr. Ethan Brandenburg who might just drive her a little bit crazy and tease her with the kind of 'what ifs' she hasn't dared to dream about. Sweet, tender love story with lots of angst thrown in the midst. And lots of surprises. I do love a romance that keeps me on my toes and this one sure did!

The author also gives us a glimpse into Jazz's heart and mind as she sets up the next book in the Wishing Bridge series which can't come out soon enough for me! I've been fascinated by Jazz from the very beginning and I'm anxious for her to be just as settled as Kelsey and Thea now are!

My thanks to the author for gifting me with a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,677 reviews583 followers
March 18, 2020
The small town setting and vibe continues strongly in the second book in the Wishing Bridge series. Thea has a pragmatic personality and it really came across as she works as a nurse practitioner with the doctor who has his sights set on something more than a local practice. I appreciated the storyline of Ethan's orphaned niece and nephew who need him, and Thea's insights that help him realize and focus his priorities. The progress he sees when he follows her advice, especially with his prickly niece, softens his heart toward the town even though it's not part of his long-term plans. Thea's aloofness made it difficult for me to connect with her as a reader, and like with the first book, I felt like more of an observer than a participant in the emotion of the story.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Profile Image for Olivia.
700 reviews137 followers
October 5, 2018
I've always appreciated this authors sweet way of weaving her characters together, and this was no exception.

It would have helped to start with the first book as I did mix up the characters a little through the first half. But I still grew close to each one and enjoyed their journey. I need to go back to book one now! The romance wasn't overally done, although a couple comments are a little humorous (romantic feelings). There are a couple non-detailed kisses.

Spiritual content weaved well into the story. I would have liked to see more of Ethan's journey as he understood more about God. There are a few statements that pinpoint salvation which was a blessing. Some of her other books had some doctrine I didn't like, but I found this one better in that aspect.

The sweetest part of this book was Ethan and Eva. There's nothing like a sister and brother relationship, and it was so well rounded and tear-worthy to see how they interacted together.

While, I enjoyed a lot of the story, I still found it a three star read as I wasn't extremely engaged with it for a good amount of the book. The events involving adoption, child abuse, and other tough subjects were extremely good and well-written. I'd recommend to contemporary readers who love a deep, yet sweet story.
582 reviews
August 21, 2018
“Life doesn't always come with smooth trails and easy choices. Sometimes it takes a broken road to bring us where we need to be. Our broken roads brought us to each other first. To Hannah's Hope”~Thea

To Thea, Wishing Bridge was just a temporary stop-over to her dream road. What she didn't anticipate was how it got hold of her heart and made her wish for things she never thought she'd have. Spending most of her growing up years in Hannah's Hope foster home along with her two best friends, Kelsey & Jazz, has her disillusioned to anything permanent. Along with her less than stellar childhood under the care of a druggie mom, made her jaded for anything good. That is until this small town feel gave her hope for a brighter future. Along with Maggie and Jeb who opened their hearts & home to her.

“And after years of nothing even close to charming, the quaint town was calling to her. The question was—Did she dare answer?”

Then there's her temporary partner in the business—Ethan. He has goals, big ones, to return to Chicago and a prestigious job in a major hospital doing genetic research. It's what he was born to do, or so he thinks. Until God derails his plans and he became a parent to his niece & nephew after the untimely accident that killed their parents almost a year ago. Setting down roots in Wishing Bridge was suppose to be a short term time of regrouping and redefining the new “normal” for this unlikely family. When the time comes, will he be able to uproot the kids and sever all ties to a town that gets under your skin? A bond not so easily broken!

“A family. Not by blood. But by love. And maybe that was the best kind of family to have.”

This story is so emotionally packed and snags you from the start. Having read “Welcome to Wishing Bridge”, I was long anticipating Thea's story! And it's not just Thea...but Jazz, Kelsey & Hale, Ethan, Mara, Keegan, Max, Maggie & Jeb and a new cast of characters that I was looking forward to reconnecting with. The depth of this story will sweep you away and make you wish that the town of Wishing Bridge was a real place to visit. The town that embraces its own and nobody is a stranger; it makes you feel right at home from the get-go. This also deals with some pretty heavy and downright ugly topics, but with the grace and gentleness I've come to expect from a Herne novel. I can read the authors God-given wisdom through the pages and her ever encouraging words in difficult situations. Her characters speak right to my own heart, embracing me in their love & devotion to each other. A bond of friendship that can't be broken by anything in this world. I'm already missing them! Definitely looking forward to the next installment when Jazz gets to tell her own story. Faith, love and hope is what this series is all about...and don't forget the hard won happily-ever-after!

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and NetGalley and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,650 reviews
July 25, 2019
I can not tell you how BADLY I want to live in Wishing Bridge!! This town, it's inhabitants and the stories have charmed me COMPLETELY! I utterly adored the first Wishing Bridge story and this one was even more amazing. My only regrets are that it took me so long to get to it and that I have to wait for more stories about this town I have come to love. There are multiple moments in the story that brought me to tears and touched my heart. The kiddos in the book stole my heart easily and the adults are easy to root for and very likable too. This story is pretty much perfect, it has romance, humor, a bit of suspense and lots of faith and hope. HIGHLY recommend! This will no doubt be in my top 3 reads of 2019!
Profile Image for Dee/ bookworm.
1,400 reviews4 followers
October 10, 2018
#AtHomeInWishingBridge #NetGalley

After surviving the streets of South Philly, Thea Anastas never thought she’d wind up working in rural New York. But a call from a friend in need convinced the nurse practitioner to make the trip. Now her temporary position is making a difference in Wishing Bridge—though Thea can’t afford to make a difference, to fill a gaping hole in the sweet, small town. After all, the current medical practice is being dissolved in three months, and bigger opportunities are luring her away…

Her partner, Dr. Ethan Brandenburg, has his own struggles: caring for his orphaned niece and nephew and holding firm to his decision to leave Wishing Bridge for a prestigious job in Chicago. Though Thea’s no-nonsense advice in the office has been good for business, her compassion in Ethan’s personal life has been good for his heart. But how can he offer a commitment to a woman when they’re both about to say goodbye?

Wishing Bridge may be surrounded by forests and farms, but Thea is starting to realize that friendships and family form its heart—and that what she wants in life and love may be right in front of her eyes.


I loved this more than the first in the series. Thea's back story was horrible but she has made a lot of herself into a lot. I really like how you get to know everyone, but it focused on just a few. I thought the little girl that was an inspiration. She looked at everything in a great way even though she had every right to be mad at the world. Great book. Better than the first.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Profile Image for Suzie Waltner.
Author 13 books148 followers
November 2, 2018
I was thrilled to discover Ruth Logan Herne’s return to the Wishing Bridge series. With the publisher doing away with their fiction line, I wasn’t sure we’d get Thea or Jazz’s stories, so when I saw At Home in Wishing Bridge released last month, I immediately grabbed it.

This book touches on some hard and heavy topics such as human trafficking, loss of parents/family, and anorexia. And while Herne delves more deeply on some than others, each his handled with grace and care.

With many changes happening in their lives, the last thing either Thea or Ethan need is romance. But working together leads from annoyance to respect then eases into a friendship. And time together equals a growing attraction. Although, Thea and Ethan are both loathe to act on it when they’ll be moving on to their dreams.

What made this book for me was the children. Herne excels at bringing little ones to life on her pages. Ethan’s niece and nephew are complete opposites in their attitudes and mannerisms yet I’ve known children who fit in both categories. Add in little Shannie (oh, this girl broke my heart a little), and this little group is not easily forgotten by the reader.

And because this book included enough about Jazz to make me wonder about her even more, my fingers are crossed for one more Wishing Bridge book.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews274 followers
September 20, 2018
'God's not a 'thing' to me, Ethan. He's like 'the' thing. The strength. The Rock. The fortress.'

I have been eagerly anticipating the second in Ruth Logan Herne's 'Wishing Bridge' series because I fell in love with the people and the town in the first book. Can I please go live there? It's a wonderful little small town that just draws the reader right in and truly makes you wish it was a real place.

Thea Anastas grew up hard on the city streets until taken in by a wonderful foster mother, where she met two other young girls, Kelsey and Jazz, and they became fast friends who swore to be there for each other no matter what. Thea was called to Wishing Bridge last winter by Kelsey, who was in trouble and needed her friends. Now, Thea, a Nurse Practitioner, has joined in with Ethan Brandenburg, a doctor, as a short term fill in at the small medical clinic in town. She has absolutely no intentions of staying because she intends to go to the city and help children who have no voice. But sometimes God has plans that just floor us, plans that are just as good as the ones we thought we had. Both Ethan and Thea have loads of pain in their life, Thea's just horrendous. But again, God makes all things new. Ethan is raising his brother two children after their parents die in a car accident and is having a rough go of it, when his much younger sister shows up out of the blue with nowhere to go. Thea is trying to help a young seven year old girl who nearly died of peritonitis while being raised by a great grandmother with dementia.

Oh, I just loved this book. Ruth Logan Herne writes directly from her heart and you feel every moment of it. I wept, I laughed, I praised God during this book. This precious town and its inhabitants will take their place right up there with Mitford and other wonderful fictional places. I look forward to the last in the series with Jazz's story. Highly recommended.

*My thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,272 reviews
September 10, 2018
At Home in Wishing Bridge is another heartfelt read that I was emotionally invested in with all the characters that were loveable, flawed and real. Thea and Ethan had other dreams than practicing medicine in a small rural area. Ethan caring for his niece and nephew, flooding in the old practice, a move to a restored home with living space brought some unexpected happenings that just might be the answer to their dreams. There’s plenty of love in Wishing Bridge with members caring for others without expected any compensation. Ruth Logan Herne never fails to create a story showing her love for God, family, children and friends. At Home in Wishing Bridge was a touching story to show how caring for others can be the best medicine that will bring peace and strong deep friendships. It’s not about big dreams, lots of money and snubbing others but the day to day compassion for others. To bad Wishing Bridge is not a real town to go visit and perhaps make it home.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the author. I was not required to write a positive review but have expressed my sincere thoughts. I look forward to the next book in this wonderful series.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,369 reviews166 followers
November 26, 2018
3.5 stars

"You're leaving. She's leaving. Move on."

Nurse practitioner Thea Anastas never thought that a small rural town like Wishing Bridge, New York could ooze with so much charm; she didn't want to settle down, she had never considered settling down, but for once in her life she was dreaming of settling down. One of her best friends had invited her there to fill a temporary position in the local medical clinic, but it was a new friend who might keep her there, except . . . . he had no plans to stay.

Dr. Ethan Brandenburg is overwhelmed. Thrust into single parenthood upon the untimely death of his sister and brother-in-law, he is attempting to merge a busy medical career into the lives of two small children. Grieving over the loss of their parents and unsure of their move across country, Ethan's niece and nephew have proven to be a unexpected blessing and an inescapable challenge. When a local emergency sheds new light on his business partner, he realizes that Thea Anastas has a boat load of tenderness underneath her brusque professional exterior; it might be just what his make shift family needs, except that his plans to leave Wishing Bridge are just around the corner.

Leave it up to the Lord Almighty to heal hearts and build homes. If only every reader would take a trip to Wishing Bridge!
2 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2020
Great Series

I love how these stories hold biblical truths. It focuses on the good and not the bad of the world. This story gives hope!
Profile Image for Sherida Stewart.
Author 2 books40 followers
October 29, 2018
Such a delight to come back to Wishing Bridge...a village of faith, hope and love!

After three friends, brought together as teens in a home for troubled youth, find themselves reunited years later in the small village of Wishing Bridge, New York, their ties deepen as they help each other find happiness.

This second story in Ruth Logan Herne’s heart-touching series featuring this charming town finds nurse practitioner Thea Anastas offering her skills at a medical clinic where Ethan Brandenburg, the temporary doctor, has his hands full with both the patients and his recently orphaned niece and nephew. She’s ready to leave for the big city. He’s anxious to move to his promised research assignment in Chicago. However, “accidents of timing or God’s perfect timing” keep them working together in Wishing Bridge.

I completely enjoyed At Home in Wishing Bridge as this couple confronted their past issues, reluctantly becoming aware of their feelings for each other. They both had difficult childhoods, feeling unloved and worthless. It was interesting to see how they approached rising from extreme pain to lift themselves, with the help of friends, to carry on and grow in the right direction.

I felt like I was part of this community with lovable folks who struggle with issues we all face. Good solid advice is sprinkled throughout the pages, bringing your heart closer to each individual as you become involved with the challenges they face.

Max is an absolute angel as he generously offers help to others.... a great example of how we all should live, treating people with kindness and respect. Eight-year-old Mara tugged at me as she tried to cope with the loss of her parents, not understanding how her life could ever feel normal again. But as the story unfolds, each hurting person works toward a sweet resolution.

A beautiful story of hope...hope and second chances after difficult situations....the kind of story author Ruth Logan Herne does so well, bringing faith and love to people through her books.

Favorite quotes:
“If folks look out for each other, there’s a lot less trouble in the world.”
“Rusty prayers are often the best.”

*I received a copy of this book through Net Galley with no requirement to write a review. I’m delighted to offer my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kara.
690 reviews75 followers
February 10, 2020
You'll probably think I'm crazy for starting a series with book two, but something about the synopsis for this one convinced me to pick it up first. And it was oh so delightful! I loved all the characters and goings on in this little town. And I, especially, LOVED the friendships at the core of the series. Thea, Kelsey, and Jazz have such a wonderfully solid reliance upon one another, where they can bolster the others in one conversation and speak hard truths in another. Their friendship feels real and true, which gives a firm foundation for the rest of the cast of characters circling around them. And Thea and Ethan? Oh my heart, they are so good for each other! Only it takes a bit for them to truly realize this. Which makes for a fun journey! And now I'm all excited for Jazz's story next. Cannot wait! :)
Profile Image for Tarsha Woods.
1,222 reviews
October 6, 2018
Faith

Great example of following Gods road and word. Ruth Logan Herne Wishing Bridge focus on not just belief however the belief of a believing heart ones tragic doesn't have to be your down fall can be your testimony to share with others to grow within faith.
Profile Image for Diane.
2,850 reviews22 followers
October 9, 2018
I so admired the charming little town of Wishing Bridge and all of its’ residents who have created a tight knit community that is inclusive of all and showers its’ citizens with a depth of empathy and compassion that is truly inspirational. I enjoyed meeting each and every character who has lived their life with pain and adversity and yet they still believe in the healing love of The Lord. Thea and Ethan are flawed characters who are still struggling with past hurts and betrayals but while Thea has a deep abiding faith Ethan is too mired in his struggles to open his heart to God. This is a beautifully written story that is compelling and heartwarming and I enjoyed every moment I spent in this very special town. I can’t wait to catch up on the first book in the series so I’m ready to enjoy the next release by this talented storyteller. I read an early copy of this book provided by Waterfall Press through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
6,169 reviews
November 25, 2018
I enjoyed At Home in Wishin Bridge. I want to go back to catch up and read book one from the Wishing Bridge series.
4 1/2 stars.
Profile Image for Harmony.
417 reviews7 followers
February 26, 2021
While I gave a little slack for the format in book 1 of this series, I didn't in this book. The author spends just as much time setting up for the next book as she does telling the story of this book. The characters in this book suffer for it. We learn more about Jazz than we did about Thea. The same thing happened in book 1 but to an even greater degree because she told the stories of all three girls in one book. I was hoping that we'd learn more about Kelsey in this book since she got cheated out of her story in book 1. We didn't. This book seemed more focused on Jazz than Thea. This was supposed to be Thea's book.

I finished the book feeling cheated out of the romance between Thea and Ethan. This is supposed to be a romance yet the romance part is barely present. The book is about Jazz and running, so many pages devoted to her running *yawn*. It is also about talking. So much talking between and about characters who are not Thea or Ethan.

The writing is good, hence the 3-stars, and the town is likable maybe even lovable for the most part. However, the author keeps insisting on including things that make me not love the town. In book one, it was the wife and her lies. Lies that she never was punished for and we never heard of her again or Kelsey's new family. POOF GONE! In this book, it was the author telegraphing the racism of the gated community that I'm sure will feature heavily in Jazz's book.

Did I mention that this book was mostly about Jazz? Well, it was. It was about her and her running. Oh and some of her being triggered about food.

To say that I'm annoyed about all of this would be an understatement. I wanted to read a book about Thea and Ethan. I wanted to finish this book with a big HEA. I got none of that. This book had an even tamer/lamer HEA than book 1.

I'm done with this series. I've already spent two books reading about Jazz and her running and food issues. I'm not motivated to keep going in this series. I don't like the multiple stories being told at once format, it makes it impossible for me to connect to one character when this happens. The author shouldn't have sold this as Thea's story and just said it's the story of a small town.
Profile Image for Just Commonly.
755 reviews108 followers
March 25, 2020
4.5 stars
Wishing Bridge, New York has become a place I want to visit in real life. The sad part? It's a fictional town. The second book in the Wishing Bridge series by Ruth Logan Herne, At Home in Wishing Bridge continues to captivate me with it's characters, story line and messages. Even though the focus is on Thea, one of three of the Soul Sisterhoods, we still get to check out how life's going for the other two, Jazz and Kelsey. Add in the great townsfolk of Wishing Bridge, Jeb and Maggie, Jill, Max, Garrett, and the local doctor and Thea's love interest, Ethan, Wishing Bridge comes to life.

The author is a master at presenting kids and tying their own stories into the intricacy of a well written novel. Her stories involving kids have always been my favorite and Keegan, Mara and Shannon's involvement have pretty much glued my eyes to the page. What I find most appealing is giving these kids their own story and voice that presents several messages for readers that may not have the same effect if told differently.
"If you can't make a difference to everyone, make a difference to the ones you can."

Messages align left and right in the author's stories, but the themes of kindness, resiliency and having faith and trust in yourself and the Lord tie in beautifully in a story of planning one's future.
"We can't change the past, but we have the future in our hands. Ours and the good Lord's. We change what we can and work around the rest... It takes effort, child. Every single day."

In all, a series well worth the few hours of reading, but if you let it, the messages will stay with you for a lifetime.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Cindy.
Author 1 book26 followers
October 2, 2018
I absolutely could not wait for this book to be released and I was not disappointed. Ruth Logan Herne brings us once again to the town of Wishing Bridge here the three friends, Kelsey, Thea and Jazz have gathered, first to see Kelsey through a tight spot. In At Home in Wishing Bridge the three friends pray Thea through the storm as the nurse practitioner struggles to find her place in the world. Thea was all set to return to the big city and further her career when a set of, call them circumstances of divine appointments, keeps her in Wishing Bridge for the time being.
Ethan, the doctor who is waiting to begin his research assignment far away from Wishing Bridge, has his own set of pain and heartache to deal with. Two orphan children depend on him and yet one of them seems to push him away at every turn. His sister with a checkered past shows up on his doorstep and then his father that seems to have caused so much of the pain in his life. Could Wishing Bridge be the answer for Ethan or is it just another stumbling block in this path of life.
Ethan and Thea struggle with their feelings for one another, unwilling to set them loose because of their differing goals for the future. But the children learn to love her and Ethan can't help but follow in their footsteps. Thea longs for the love of a family but can't fully give herself to the idea until she can come to grips with the family she never had as a child.
Ruth Logan Herne tackles the tough issues in life with characters you love and a faith-filled approach of dealing with the obstacles this life throws at us. I didn't want this book to end and am now looking forward to Jazz's story. I feel like these ladies are my friends and Wishing Bridge is home.
Profile Image for Cindy.
226 reviews10 followers
October 6, 2018
This book is the second book in Ruth Logan Herne's "Wishing Bridge" series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone book. I can honestly say that while I loved the first book in the series, I loved At Home in Wishing Bridge even more. I think it is because I felt more connected to Thea who worked in the medical field. But I also had a soft spot in my heart for Dr. Ethan Brandenburg because of how he was caring for his niece and nephew. Ms. Herne created such realistic characters that pulled at my heartstrings. Both Thea and Ethan came from difficult backgrounds and had a lot of scars they needed to overcome. But in Ruth Logan Herne fashion they overcame difficulties and rose above their pasts to bring them into a promising future.

If you enjoy reading sweet small-town romance novels, I would highly suggest you pick up a copy of At Home in Wishing Bridge. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of At Home in Wishing Bridge. I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.
6,546 reviews27 followers
September 28, 2018
Thea hadn't had an easy life not only had she lived with a drugged up mother but the she had ended up in the foster system Luckily she was at Hannah's Hope foster home along with her two best friends, Kelsey & Jazz, but all of this at such a young age meant that he is totally disillusioned she doesn't believe in love or HEA . She is a big city girl but she is spending time in Wishing bridge with Maggie and Jeb. Working as a nurse at the local medical centre she is thrown into the orbit of Dr. Ethan Brandenburg, he is also pining for the big city and the medical research that he does but a fatal accident as left him with the care of his niece and nephew and Wishing Bridge is the perfect place for them to settle as a family. The attraction between these two is instant but do they have any future together when they are both planning to leave or will Wishing Bridge be the perfect place to set down roots and become the family that they are meant to be

This is a wonderful sweet romance that is all about the heart wants what it wants not necessarily what the mind says it needs
Profile Image for Karen.
430 reviews29 followers
October 15, 2018
When I won this book in a GoodReads giveaway, I immediately found the first book in the series - because I'm one of those people who can never start in the middle of a series. I absolutely loved the first book, and feel it is necessary to read it before this one. Otherwise, the characters in this book will be a bit confusing. Saying all that, I did like this book quite a bit. While the plot seemed pretty predictable, I enjoyed the journey of getting to the end result I felt pretty sure was coming. I love these characters and really enjoyed getting to know them in this series so far. This series features three women: Kelsey (book one), Thea (this book), and Jazz (I'm assuming book three). I have fallen in love with these three women and the people of Wishing Bridge who have taken them in and helped them begin a new life. This series is a story of God's redemption and His willingness to give his children the opportunity to have a happy and abundant life. I recommend this series to anyone looking for a sweet story with a few bumps in the road.
Profile Image for Andrea.
713 reviews8 followers
October 13, 2018
Faith, Hope, and Love are on full display in 'At Home in Wishing Bridge' beautifully written by Ruth Logan Herne.
The people of Wishing Bridge are real, struggling with family issues, grief, difficult choices, and things beyond their control. But most handle it with grace and a helpful attitude. Powerful prayer warrior Maggie is a great example of how to get through the tough times.
The bond of friendship between Thea, Kelsey, and Jazz is stronger than ever. The attraction between Thea and Dr. Ethan was surprising. I loved it!
I also loved the inclusion of children in this book.
Here portrays them with a full range of emotion and feeling.
I admit to a few tears and cheers as I listened to this story. I hope there will be another.
*Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited*
I missed a couple days of reading/listening time due to illness. I was very happy to pick this book up again! I did not put it down until I finished. I recommend this highly, it is a great return to Wishing Bridge.
Profile Image for Stacey.
1,018 reviews
October 19, 2018
Book 2 picks up where Book 1 leaves off, focusing more on Thea's story and setting the stage for Jazz's story. No nonsense Thea doesn't plan to stay in Wishing Bridge much longer. Her co-worker, Dr. Brandenburg, plans to leave the small town too for bigger dreams. Wishing Bridge, however, offers what neither of them expect to need: a community of loving friends, healing grace, and a place where their talents are needed and appreciated. As a reader, it is so easy to get lost in this story and feel like you are part of the community. Kelsey, Hale, Jazz, Maggie and Jeb make regular appearances as well as some new characters who will pull at your heart strings. If you're looking for a cozy read with a sprinkling of grace, this book will be an enjoyable choice.

Note: I won an e-book edition from a goodreads giveaway, but I also own a copy of the book. Reviewing this book was at my discretion.
Profile Image for Terry Conrad.
292 reviews20 followers
June 24, 2020
This is the second book in a series of three. I definitely want to read book 3 when my budget allows.

I've enjoyed this series so far. They are romance books but not as typical as a lot of them. 3 girls who ended up in the system became best friends and promised they would be there for each other no matter what. This is how they end up in the small town of Wishing Bridge.

They all have had traumatic lives as children and their stories are told. They each have a lot to overcome. The town is a little like Mayberry but I can overlook that.

My problem with this book was two seven year old girls who both had some serious issues. They talked like 17 year old girls throughout the whole book. I have never in my life heard seven year olds talk like that. It was very unrealistic and when they were talking I kind of disconnected with the book. Don't let that stop you from reading these books. I've enjoyed them and am looking forward to book 3 when budget allows.
Profile Image for Shilo Goodson.
Author 1 book7 followers
April 30, 2023
This was a great book. I enjoyed it just as much as the previous book. I liked that it provided the perfect balance between being a good book for someone who read the first book and being a book that could be read as a standalone book. I would, though suggest that you read the previous book first. If you choose not to, the good news is that I don't feel like you'll be confused starting with this book.

This is a clean book. There's no swearing, sexual content, or violence. There are a few sensitive topics, though, including sex trafficking, child abuse, drug abuse, and extramarital affairs. All of these are handled sensitively without going into too much detail. There is also a character who has Alzheimer's disease. This might be difficult for someone who has a family member suffering from it. Overall, this is a book and a series that I would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Carrie Garza.
805 reviews2 followers
December 10, 2018
Contemporary Christian Fiction. I read the first book of this series some time back and didn't realize this was the second when I bought it. The three main characters met and became fast friends in foster care as teens. They have all wound up together in the small village of Wishing Bridge. Kelsey found herself pregnant and unmarried in book one. In book two Thea, who is a nurse practitioner, is fulfilling a short term assignment in the small village of Wishing Bridge. As a young girl her mother sold her to a slave trafficking ring. Her faith in God has saved her. And his presence in her life in Wishing Bridge has made it possible for her to find the life and love that has alluded her thus far in her adult life. Really good story. Jazz should be next, maybe.
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